Reds confirm squad-building progress

24/11/2017

Jersey Reds have confirmed that eight members of the club's current squads have agreed new deals to extend their time on the Island into next season, committing themselves to at least May 2019. With five players' existing deals running into 2018/19, a total of 13 players are already confirmed as returning next summer when pre-season training commences.

Those re-signing include some of the senior players in the squad. Scrum-half Joel Dudley will move into his seventh season with the Reds, having arrived in 2012 ahead of Jersey's first Championship campaign. Hooker Nick Selway is set for a sixth season in 2018/19, as is lock James Voss, a product of the Reds' Mini & Junior Section, who made his 1st XV debut as a 17-year-old in 2011 and rejoined the Reds in 2016 after two years at Hartpury College.

The eight players agreeing new contracts are:

Ross Adair, wing/full-back, age 23, joined Reds 2015

Leeroy Atalifo, prop, 29/2017

Alec Clarey, prop, 23/2017

Joel Dudley, scrum-half, 25/2012

Conor Joyce, flanker, 24/2017

Nick Selway, hooker, 28/2013

Jerry Sexton, lock, 24/2017

James Voss, lock, 23/2011

The five players already contracted into 2018/19 are:

Rory Bartle, back row/lock, 21/2017

Jordan Brodley, prop, 24/2017

Roy Godfrey, prop, 28/2017

'Apakuki Ma'afu, centre, 30/2016

Jake Upfield, back row/lock, 22/2017

Jersey Reds Head Coach Harvey Biljon said:

"I'm really pleased to have 13 players already confirmed for next season - forward planning like this is really important for next season - it will provide some real continuity which should leave us well-placed when the action resumes next September

"I intend to announce other players for next season shortly, including both new signings and members of the current squad."

Chairman Mark Morgan added: "This is great news for the club and the fact that our squad-building is going so well reflects ongoing work to ensure that the club is on a firm financial footing for the future. The part that our sponsors and supporters have played in helping us with this is much appreciated."

The Reds are preparing for a home match tomorrow (Saturday November 25th). The game at Stade Santander international kicks off at 3pm.